Family Support

We believe parents are children’s primary teachers and our greatest partner in education. Our goal is to have a strong home and school relationship that enhances students learning.

In order to better serve parents, the Catholic Partnership Schools have created the Family Engagement Programs.

Family Support Coordinator, Grades K-5

Research shows that students learn and achieve more when parents are engaged in their child’s education. The K-5 Family Support Coordinator, a bi-lingual staff member, will provide counseling, consultation, support and follow-up services to students and their families and implement a seamless program that promotes family engagement and a more positive and effective home and school partnership.

Graduate Family Support Coordinator, Grades 6-8, with high school follow-up

In addition to continuing the family engagement efforts developed in the earlier grades, the Graduate and Family support worker provide key services and educational supports to assist our students – and their families – in the transition to and successful completion of high school. Included, for example, will be writing, study skills, financial aid, and use of technology workshops; information open houses; application process management; meetings with parents, mentors, administrators and guidance counselors; summer jobs and volunteering opportunity exploration, to name just a few.

Extensive 9th grade academic and behavioral follow-up and data monitoring will also be a large part of this effort. In both family support functions, we will track participation, monitor effectiveness, and evaluate outcomes.

V.E.N.: Volunteers Engaging Neighbors

With financial support from a New York City foundation, the Partnership will be expanding to a second school its successful pilot program designed to ensure academic success among Hispanic students by reaching out to entire families in English language training and in navigating the transition to American life. Created with volunteers from the Hispanic Network of Campbell Soup, V.E.N. increases student comprehension and achievement; improves communication among teachers, Hispanic students, and parents; helps students with school assignments; and improves interactions with teachers and school personnel.

The innovative program is replicable in urban communities throughout the US and the Partnership plans to share its strategies and successes with a wider education community. V.E.N. is at the forefront of the effort to attract more Hispanic families to Catholic schools as well as to improve the educational experience of Hispanic students by easing the cultural transition for their families.